Month: April 2026

Indian equity markets witnessed a sharp rally on Wednesday, with both benchmark indices surging nearly four per cent, driven by positive sentiment following the ceasefire announcement in the West Asia conflict.

The Nifty 50 index jumped to 23,997.35, gaining 873.70 points or 3.78 per cent, while the BSE Sensex surged to 77,562.90, rising by 2,946.32 points or 3.95 per cent at the close.

Market experts attributed the rally to easing geopolitical concerns and improved investor sentiment.

Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Investments Limited, said the interim ceasefire is being viewed as a step towards broader regional stability.

“The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz has pushed oil prices below USD 100 and reduced downside risks to FY27 earnings growth. The improvement in sentiment has also led to a decline in the 10-year bond yield and strengthening of the rupee,” he said.

He added that the Reserve Bank of India’s decision to maintain status quo on interest rates has further supported financial stocks, while investors are focusing on reasonable valuations and stable medium-term earnings outlook.

Sector-wise, the rally was broad-based with almost all indices closing in the green. Nifty Auto surged more than 6 per cent, while Nifty Realty rallied 6.75 per cent. Nifty PSU Bank gained 5.46 per cent, Nifty Consumer Durables rose 5.23 per cent, and Nifty Media advanced 2.96 per cent. Nifty IT also recorded marginal gains of 0.52 per cent.

In the commodities market, Brent crude prices continued to decline and were trading at around USD 94 per barrel at the time of filing this report, reflecting easing supply concerns.

Meanwhile, precious metals saw an uptick, with gold prices rising to Rs 1,53,160 per 10 grams for 24 karats. Silver prices also surged by 5 per cent to Rs 2,44,498 per kg.

Asian markets mirrored the positive trend, with strong gains across major indices. Japan’s Nikkei 225 surged more than 5 per cent to 56,444, South Korea’s KOSPI rose 6.43 per cent to 5,872, and Taiwan’s weighted index climbed more than 4 per cent to 34,761.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index gained more than 3 per cent to 25,935, while Singapore’s Straits Times index was up by 0.77 per cent to 4,996. (ANI)

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) issued a strong response to the Election Commission of India (ECI), calling for the upcoming elections to be conducted without political bias, central interference, selective targeting, or double standards.

In a post on X, TMC described its message as “straight talk,” emphasising that the electoral process should remain independent and fair.

“Our straight-talk to ECI This time, the Elections must be: Free from Delhi’s control. Free from political bias, Free from selective targeting, And free from double standards,” the ‘X’ post from TMC said.

This comes after the ECI, following a meeting with a TMC delegation, stated that it had issued a firm directive to ensure elections in West Bengal are “fear-free, violence-free, intimidation-free, inducement-free,” and free from practices like booth jamming, raids, and source jamming. The poll body reiterated that the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections would be conducted without fear or violence.

Referring to the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal, the ECI affirmed that the 2026 State Assembly elections will be free from fear and violence. In an X post, the ECI called for no booth and source jamming on the days of polling in West Bengal.

“ECI’s Straight-talk to Trinamool Congress. This time, the Elections in West Bengal would surely be: Fear-free, Violence-free, Intimidation-free, Inducement-free and without any Raid, Booth Jamming and Source Jamming,” the poll body said.

Meanwhile, AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal, in a post on ‘X’, criticised the Election Commssion for its post and said, “Now there’s no need to even say that the Election Commission is working under BJP and taking direct instructions from BJP. This is now out in the open and extremely unfortunate. At the very least, by tweeting in such language, don’t publicly tarnish the reputation of such an important institution.”

Polling for the 294-member Assembly in West Bengal will take place in two phases on April 23 and April 29, while counting of votes is scheduled for May 4. (ANI)

Indian Embassy in Iran on Wednesday issued an advisory for Indian nationals to expeditiously exit Iran.

The embassy also said that the exit must be in coordination with the Embassy.

“In continuation of the advisory of 07 April 2026, and in light of recent developments, Indian nationals still in Iran are strongly advised to expeditiously exit Iran, in coordination with the Embassy and using the routes suggested by the Embassy,” the embassy’s advisory read.

⚠️ Advisory as on 08 April 2026. pic.twitter.com/pusFQIAKKI

— India in Iran (@India_in_Iran) April 8, 2026

“It is again reiterated that there should be no attempt to approach any international land border without prior consultation and coordination with the Embassy. The Embassy’s emergency numbers are below. Mobile Numbers: +989128109115; +989128109102; +989128109109; +989932179359 Email: cons.tehran@mea.gov.in,” it added.

The advisory came as US President Donald Trump has suspended the “bombing and attack” campaign on Iran, announcing a two-week double-sided ceasefire and saying that the 10-point proposal from Iran was workable.

Iran has put forward a comprehensive 10-point framework that it says forms the basis of a complete resolution. According to the statement, the United States is expected to commit to several key principles, including “Non-aggression” and the “Continuation of Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz,” a crucial global oil transit chokepoint.

Among the most significant demands is Washington’s “Acceptance of enrichment,” referring to Iran’s nuclear program, which has long been a central point of contention between the two nations and the international community. Tehran has also called for sweeping economic relief, including the “Lifting all primary sanctions” and “Lifting all secondary sanctions,” measures that have severely impacted Iran’s economy over the years.

The conditions further extend into the diplomatic and international arena, with Iran demanding the “Termination of all UN Security Council resolutions” and the “Termination of all IAEA Board of Governors resolutions” related to its nuclear activities. These demands, if accepted, would mark a significant rollback of global oversight mechanisms.

In addition, Tehran has insisted on financial reparations, calling for the “Payment of compensation to Iran” for damages incurred during the conflict period. On the military front, it has demanded the “Withdrawal of US combat forces from the region” and a broader “Cessation of war on all fronts, including against the heroic Islamic Resistance of Lebanon.” (ANI)

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC candidate from Bhabanipur, Mamata Banerjee, on Wednesday said that the party will move to the court if the names of valid voters are not restored in the electoral rolls following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday filed her nomination at the Survey Building from Bhabanipur assembly constituency for the 2026 State Assembly elections.

Mamata Banerjee is contesting from the Bhabanipur seat, from where she will face a repeat clash with BJP leader and Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari.

Addressing the gathering after filing her nomination, the Chief Minister said, “I am deeply saddened that many names have been deleted. This was mentioned in the Supreme Court order. After we moved court, some names were restored, as per the order, those under adjudication were to be included.”

“About 32 lakh names have been restored, but the remaining 58 lakh have not even been opened yet. Some may be valid deletions, like deceased voters, but around 27.6 lakh cases are still under adjudication. I believe everyone should have the right to vote. If their names are not restored, many people will not be able to vote. We will go to court again if needed,” she said.

Expressing confidence in TMC’s victory in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, she said, “I have lived here since my childhood, everything I have is here. I thank and salute the people of Bhabanipur. I have filed my nomination, and I wish victory to all Trinamool Congress candidates. We will form the government. I have many more programmes ahead. Please take care of yourselves in this heat, stay well, stay healthy.”

Bhabanipur is set to witness a high-voltage clash between the two senior leaders.

Adhikari had also challenged Mamata from Nandigram in the 2021 West Bengal polls, from where he won by 1,956 votes. Following her defeat, the TMC supremo contested the bypoll from Bhabanipur, as MLA Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay resigned from the seat.

Polling for the 294-member Assembly in West Bengal will take place in two phases on April 23 and April 29, while counting of votes is scheduled for May 4. (ANI)

The Reserve Bank of India on Wednesday kept the policy repo rate unchanged at 5.25 per cent in the first monetary policy announcement of the financial year 2026-27, citing rising global uncertainties and geopolitical tensions.

Announcing the decision, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) unanimously voted to maintain the policy repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility at 5.25 per cent.

Governor stated “After the detailed assessment of the evolving macroeconomic and financial developments and the outlook, the MPC voted unanimously to keep the policy repo rate unchanged under the liquidity facility at 5.25 per cent. Consequently, the SDR rate remains at 5 per cent and the MSF rate and the bank rate at 5.5 per cent”.

“Consequently, the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate remains at 5 per cent and the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate and the bank rate at 5.5 per cent,” he said.

The MPC meeting was held on April 6, 7 and 8 to assess the evolving macroeconomic and financial conditions before arriving at the decision.

The central bank noted that the policy comes at a time when the global economy is facing significant challenges due to heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly the ongoing conflict in West Asia, along with disruptions in global supply chains.

The RBI Governor said that before the outbreak of the conflict, India’s macroeconomic fundamentals reflected strong growth and low inflation. However, conditions turned adverse in March as the conflict widened and intensified.

Despite these challenges, he emphasised that India’s economic fundamentals remain strong and are better positioned compared to previous crisis periods and many other economies, providing resilience against global shocks.

He highlighted that global growth is facing downside risks due to rising energy prices and shortages of key inputs, which have increased inflation concerns and pushed up geopolitical risk premiums in oil markets.

Heightened uncertainty due to the conflict has also impacted financial markets globally. Safe-haven flows have strengthened the US dollar, putting depreciation pressure on currencies of major economies.

At the same time, commodity prices such as metals and gold have moderated, while financial markets have witnessed increased volatility. Equity markets have seen broad-based corrections, and sovereign bond yields have hardened due to inflation fears and concerns over long-term fiscal sustainability. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (local time) said that it was a big day for world peace as the US-Iran war headed towards a ceasefire. Trump said that the US will be helping with the traffic buildup in the Strait of Hormuz.

“A big day for World Peace! Iran wants it to happen, they’ve had enough! Likewise, so has everyone else! The United States of America will be helping with the traffic buildup in the Strait of Hormuz. There will be lots of positive action! Big money will be made. Iran can start the reconstruction process. We’ll be loading up with supplies of all kinds, and just “hangin’ around” in order to make sure that everything goes well. I feel confident that it will. Just like we are experiencing in the U.S., this could be the Golden Age of the Middle East!!! President DONALD J. TRUMP” he said in a post on Truth Social.

The post came after Trump suspended the “bombing and attack” campaign on Iran, announcing a two-week double-sided ceasefire and saying that the 10-point proposal from Iran was workable.

In an earlier post on Truth Social, Trump, said that ten-point proposal will serve as ground to negotiate for a permanent deal, while reiterating that US has achieved most of its military objectives.

“Based on conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, of Pakistan, and wherein they requested that I hold off the destructive force being sent tonight to Iran, and subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks. This will be a double-sided CEASEFIRE!” Trump said.

“The reason for doing so is that we have already met and exceeded all Military objectives, and are very far along with a definitive Agreement concerning Longterm PEACE with Iran, and PEACE in the Middle East. We received a 10 point proposal from Iran, and believe it is a workable basis on which to negotiate,” he added.

The Iranian side also accepted US President Donald Trump’s peace overture and agreed to safe passage via the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks as well as a pause in military operations.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi posted the Islamic Republic’s response on X and said Iran would cease its military operations if it is was not attacked.

“Considering the request by the U.S. for negotiations based on its 15-point proposal as well as announcement by POTUS about acceptance of the general framework of Iran’s 10-point proposal as a basis for negotiations, I hereby declare on behalf of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council: If attacks against Iran are halted, our Powerful Armed Forces will cease their defensive operations. For a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible via coordination with Iran’s Armed Forces and with due consideration of technical limitations,” Araghchi wrote.

The two-week pause is likely to lead to further comprehensive negotiations between the US and Iran and a possible peace summit in Islamabad. (ANI)

On the occasion of superstar Allu Arjun’s 44th birthday, the makers have revealed the title of his upcoming project with director Atlee.

The film, which was earlier referred to as ‘AA22xA6,’ has now been officially titled ‘Raaka.’

The announcement was made on social media along with a new poster. The title reveal came as a special surprise for fans on the actor’s birthday, making the day even more memorable for his followers.

In the striking poster, Allu Arjun can be seen in bald look, with part of his face covered in thick fur. A tusk-like detail adds a raw and intense feel to the look, while his eyes appear strong and mysterious. Sharing the poster, the team wrote, “#AA22xA6 is now #Raaka Prepare yourself for a vision beyond limits”.

The film marks the first collaboration of Allu Arjun with director Atlee and also stars Deepika Padukone. The project has already created a strong buzz among fans. More details about the film are still under wraps.

Allu Arjun’s last release, ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule,’ directed by Sukumar, did very well at the box office after its release in 2024. The film was a sequel to ‘Pushpa: The Rise’ and featured Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil, Jagapathi Babu, Sunil and Rao Ramesh.

Deepika Padukone was last seen in ‘Kalki 2898 AD,’ which also performed well in theatres. (ANI)

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma recently celebrated his birthday, and on the occasion of his special day, actor Manoj Bajpayee took a moment to look back on their journey, calling it “unforgettable” in a heartfelt post.

Taking to his X handle, the Gangs of Wasseypur actor shared a series of unseen pictures with the filmmaker, offering a glimpse into their long journey together. The images captured moments from both their professional and personal bond, which goes back many years.

Manoj spoke about a journey filled with “madness” and memories, and described their association as “unforgettable.” Sharing his feelings, he wrote, “Happy Birthday, @RGVzoomin. We’ve had our share of madness, arguments, laughter, and some unforgettable cinema along the way. Grateful for all of it. Stay as unpredictable, curious, and fearless as ever. Big hug.”

The post soon received reactions from fans, who appreciated their bond and also reflected on Varma’s work. Some also expressed hope of seeing the filmmaker return with strong content.

Interestingly, Manoj Bajpayee and Ram Gopal Varma are set to reunite once again for a horror film titled Police Station Mein Bhoot, which has already sparked curiosity among fans. Their previous collaboration includes the cult classic Satya.

Meanwhile, Manoj was last seen in The Family Man Season 3. Directed by Raj & DK, the show follows Srikant Tiwari, who finds himself in a difficult situation as he becomes the nation’s “most wanted man.” The season blends action, humour, and family drama, making the series popular among viewers. (ANI)

The recently held Screen Awards in Mumbai have been making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

After journalist Saurabh Dwivedi’s perceived playful dig at actor Rajpal Yadav over his recent cheque-bounce case drew criticism from netizens, including Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, stand-up comedian Zakir Khan has now landed in controversy as well. His joke about the success of Dhurandhar and how it has allegedly sparked jealousy among some individuals in the industry has triggered a fresh wave of backlash online.

“Film mein bomb phoote Lyari mein aur yahan dhuaa udaa Bandra se Juhu mein. (The bombs may have gone off in Lyari, but the smoke is rising from Bandra to Juhu),” Zakir said while hosting the show.

Reacting to his remarks, actress Ameesha Patel took to X and called out Zakir, requesting him to “stop negativity.”

She also highlighted how actors like Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Sunny Deol have delivered numerous hits throughout their careers.

“DUDE-Stop spreading NEGATIVITY!film industry has valued n respected DHURANDHAR!Superstars like SRK,SALMAN,SUNNY , HRITHIK,AJAY et have given not just 1 but 25 plus mega hits n will continue to do so CHILL-GADAR bahut saalon se sabne already machai hain aur aage bhi machaayenge,” Ameesha Patel posted on her X.

‘Pathaan’ director Siddharth Anand also found the joke in poor taste.

In a post on X, Siddharth wrote, “Juhu – Bandra peeps have given all ATBB’s (all-time blockbusters) since the past 50 years. You have to be a real duffer to undermine their contribution”.

Screen Awards were held on Sunday. (ANI)

Fresh off Border 2 success, Varun Dhawan is now busy working on his upcoming film ‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’.

On Tuesday, he took to Instagram and shared a picture with his co-star Pooja Hegde from the film.

“Ishq sirf ek baar hota hain!!! #haijawaanitohishqhonahai,” he captioned the post.

With the serene azure waters behind them, Varun and Pooja struck a romantic pose for the picture.

The film will hit the theatres on June 12.

‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’ was previously scheduled to release on June 5, and was originally slated for April 10, before being rescheduled earlier this year.

The makers confirmed the latest change through an official statement shared on Instagram.

In the statement, the team clarified that the decision was made after reviewing recent developments and the broader industry situation.

“We would like to clarify that our film Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai was originally scheduled for release on 5th June, a date we had announced several months ago. However, after recent developments and considering the prevailing situation, we felt it would be more appropriate to shift our release,” the statement read.

The producers further emphasised the importance of cooperation within the film industry.”We strongly believe that it is always healthier for the industry when filmmakers support one another rather than compete unnecessarily on the same date. In that spirit of solidarity, we have decided to move the release of Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai to 12th June and bring our film to the audiences a week later,” the note read.

Produced by Ramesh Taurani and directed by veteran filmmaker David Dhawan, the upcoming entertainer promises a lively blend of romance and comedy. Mrunal Thakur will also be seen in a key role in the film, (ANI)